The announcement follows the successful pilot project which saw mid-career Indigenous employees pivot to careers in Canada’s ocean economy
Together with four program partners, Canada’s Ocean Supercluster announced the Indigenous Career Pivot Program. The program will facilitate and support meaningful work placements for up to 17 Indigenous People wishing to explore new career options in Canada’s ocean economy.
Following the successful pilot program which saw 11 mid-career Indigenous People pivot to careers in the ocean economy, the program represents a total investment of more than $1 million of which $750,000 is funded by the Ocean Supercluster.
Led by Clear Seas Centre for Responsible Marine Shipping with their project partners of British Columbia Institute of Technology (BCIT), the College of the North Atlantic (CNA), and the Aboriginal Community Career Employment Services Society (ACCESS), the program will provide Indigenous Peoples with 12-month employment placements where they will gain valuable experience in the ocean sector and enhance their knowledge through work experiences that complement their existing skillset and natural aptitudes.
The program offers learning and support opportunities for both participants and employers through career mentoring support provided by Canada’s Ocean Supercluster and employers, a Peer Support Network for Indigenous participants, and cultural awareness training provided to employers.
The Ocean Supercluster recognizes that Indigenous Peoples are natural collaborators in the ocean sector
because of their lived experiences in coastal environments and their historic, cultural, and spiritual
connection to the waters. With this understanding, the Supercluster is working to build mutually beneficial relationships with First Nation, Inuit, and Métis communities to better understand how to sustainably develop ocean opportunities that enhance Indigenous communities.
To learn more about the program and how to get involved as an employer or participant, visit: clearseas.org/en/programs/indigenous-career-pivot-program/
Quotes:
“By creating training and career opportunities for Indigenous peoples in the ocean economy, this initiative will ensure that Canada has an even stronger and more inclusive workforce. I am pleased to see Canada’s Ocean Supercluster recognizing the traditional knowledge of Indigenous peoples and building on the success of the Indigenous Career Pivot Project.” – The Honourable François-Philippe Champagne, Minister of Innovation, Science and Industry
“We are very pleased to support a continued collaboration with project partners, OSC members and Indigenous communities that facilitates new, exciting careers in culturally safe and inclusive work environments for mid-career Indigenous persons keen to explore opportunities within the sustainable blue economy while enhancing the cultural competencies of the participating workplaces.” – Melody Pardoe, Chief Engagement Officer, Canada’s Ocean Supercluster
“Employers have an incredible opportunity to listen, understand, and work with the talented new generation of Indigenous knowledge leaders and workers. The program is an important step forward in advancing reconciliation as set out in the recommendations of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission.” – Sarah Thomas, Director of Indigenous and Coastal Community Relations at Clear Seas
About OSC
Canada’s Ocean Supercluster is a pan-Canadian, industry-led, transformative cluster focused on tackling some of the biggest challenges across ocean sectors through a collaborative program designed to accelerate the development and commercialization of globally relevant solutions, while also building a highly capable, inclusive workforce. The Ocean Supercluster has approved more than 70 projects with a total value of more than $360 million which will deliver more than 110 new made-in-Canada ocean products, processes, and services to sell to the world.
About Clear Seas Centre for Responsible Marine Shipping
Clear Seas is a not-for-profit, independent research centre that supports safe and sustainable marine shipping in Canada. Through research and communications, it provides impartial information on key maritime issues to policy makers and the public. All publications are available at clearseas.org.
Media Contacts:
Nancy Andrews
Canada’s Ocean Supercluster
nancy.andrews@oceansupercluster.ca
709.725.7070
Sarah Thomas
Director of Indigenous and Coastal Community Relations
Clear Seas Centre for Responsible Marine Shipping
Sarah.thomas@clearseas.org
778.713.1444